Top 10 Solar Charge Controllers & Their Reviews [Updated 2022]

By hediu March 27, 2021 Solar Devices

This article aims to give a detailed review of the top 10 best solar charges as well as highlight the benefits of each product.

If you’re considering getting a solar charge controller, then you’re in the right place.

The benefits of each product are clearly outlined for you to know which products best fit your needs.

1. Renogy Wanderer PWM Charge Controler

The Renogy is best used for off-grid solar applications TK.

It integrates a PWM charging system hence increasing battery life and therefore prolonging the performance of the system.

The controller comes with electronic protection that guards it against damages that may arise from installation mistakes. The striking feature of this charge controllers is an optimized 30A charging capacity suitable for 12VDC system voltage.

It also comes with a deep cycle sealed and flooded battery options.

It undergoes four stages of charging; Bulk, Boost Float and Equalization.

It has an automatic system of improving battery lifespan through a remote temperature compensation. With this method, it offers optimum protection against over-charging, short circuit and reverse polarity.

The wanderer makes use of pulse width modulation (PWM).

It regulates the power-consuming from the panel and uses it to charge the battery effectively.

Renogy has a temperature sensor where the temperature is monitored for regulations. It’s capable of up to 40W voltage.

This solar charge controller also makes use of negative grinding-the the internal switching occurring on the positives-which is the most convenient way of grinding.

The Renogy has four-stage charging making use of the PWM mode.

These are Bulk, boost float and Equalization.

It’s also self-regulation, thereby preventing the batteries from overcharging or discharging.

Like most of the charge controllers, it’s self-diagnostic, preventing damages that may arise from installation mistakes.

It has a remote temperature sensor that allows you to monitor the battery’s temperature.

Its multiple LED indicators help to keep an eye on the charge status and battery information.

It has improved technology when compared to other charge controllers.

This is the RS232 port and its Lithium battery charging mode.

The RS232 enables remote sensing using the BT-1 Bluetooth module.

They can be connected Renogy BT smartphone app for monitoring.

The Lithium battery charging mode enables it to charge most 12V lithium batteries.

Renogy is optimized for a 12V or 24V system.

The product has a 4.8/5 rating on amazon t hots f positive reviews.

Does it need a couple of weeks to make it better? Like most products, sure it could.

Examples: Different colors of LEDs. A backlight on the LCD screen (with something like a 5-second hold on)

Possibly the option instead of just showing the temperature in Celsius, given the option for Fahrenheit readings too.

But other than that, it’s an awesome product! Great product, even for the beginner.

Pros & Benefits:

To set up this charge controller, connect it to 12/24V battery.
It comes on once the battery is connected.
Renogy’s output is low; thus, it can take many days to charge a deep-cycle battery fully.
The charge controller is not waterproof and thus is susceptible to damage by water.
Hence it should be kept in a well-shaded and cool atmosphere.

Check Price on Amazon

2. Epever Latest MPPT 30A Solar Charge Controller 12V

EPEver solar charger controller can work with 10A,20A,30 or 40A using a negative ground just like the Renogy wanderer. It can also use a maximum PV input voltage.

It implements multiple work modes and optimal battery types, which are capable of alternated from one form to another.

EPEver MPPT solar charge controller uses an automatic voltage identification system that also can remember previous settings using its auto-saving functions.

Other monitoring features of this solar charge controller are its four-stage battery charging, LCD screen to indicate charging levels, remote meter supporting abilities and temperature compensation.

It’s relatively cheaper and comes with great safety precautions.

EPEver controllers are next to none in terms of battery protection and regulation.

Its four stages battery charging ensures maximum battery life protection and hence makes it cost-effective just enough to save you bucks of pennies.

The brand has models ranging from 20A to 40A; however, the 30A model would be just moderate for a medium earner.

EPEver charge controller used sealed, flooded, or gel lithium battery types.

It can convert high amounts of DC volts from 12V to 60V for storage in battery banks.

It provides an excellent value for its cost as it regulates temperature and also compensates for a change in voltage.

Pros & Benefits:

It does not offer high input voltage or current output when compared to other charge controllers.
The MPPT function will not activate until it has about 10W coming into it.
It ONLY works with a battery voltage between 12-24v and a maximum solar input of 46 and 92 volts.

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3. Renogy Adventurer

The Renogy Adventurer is yet another super-efficient charge controller with a Unique Bluetooth feature.

It connects to a Bluetooth monitor so you can monitor the stats on your system through your phone using the Renogy Bluetooth app, and you get a little more visibility through the system and device.

The led shows voltage, battery temperature(25°) and also has a USB port for charging a cellphone.

Right at the back is four terminals, the Bluetooth connector ports for the battery temperature sensor and battery voltage sensor.

The Adventurer wanderer now has a lithium version for charging the lithium batteries.

With a very aesthetic design, it has negative ground, flush Mount controller and can be placed on RV or Camper walls.

It’s very understood that not everyone loves the flush mounting, the Renogy adventurer provides a Mounting surface attachment that provides a second option.

Its optimum charging abilities, it can charge 12V and 24V photovoltaic systems. Just like other solar charge controllers, it integrates PWM charging.

It’s fully equipped with a self-diagnostic system and electronic functions that guilds it from damage during installations.

The key features are A USB port on the front. Its flush-mount capabilities distinguish it from other charge controllers.

It also has a BT-1 Bluetooth module that enables it to be used with a smartphone App and monitored on a screen. It also implements a 4-stage charging (Bulk, Boost, Float and Equalization).

This ensures that batters are not overcharged or discharged.

No other way can you get a versatile charge controller on this.

Pros & Benefits:

An edge it has over others is that it can charge almost all kinds of lithium batteries available in the market.
It allows up to 10A current intake.
The Renogy Adventurer has a system of regulating charge flowing from the panels to the battery bank and as a result, protecting the lifespan and longevity of the battery.
Renogy Adventurer is compatible with a wide range of lithium batteries-Sealed, Gel, Flooded and lithium.

Check Price on Amazon

4. Victron Smartsolar MPPT Solarcharge Controller

Not all charge controllers will allow you to hook up an entire array of solar batteries into a single monitoring system.

A Victron charge controller allows you to do this.

Victron Bluetooth solar controller though quickly expensive delivers value to its uses as it has an inbuilt Bluetooth like the Renogy Adventurer.

The flexibility it gives you is a great one.

It allows multiple devices to be connected to the charge controller.

Using its inbuilt Bluetooth feature, you can monitor its performance on your smartphone.

Sound great, right?

Also, you can float charge the battery, allowing a minimal charging system.

The smartphone App monitor will allow you to monitor the voltage going through it and also the current it’s generating and also the state the battery controllers are in.

When nothing powerful is being done on it, there will be no need it put any charge ion the batteries.

The particular charge controller has three different states-Float, Bulk and Absorption.

The float is where your batteries are fully charged to keep it topped up and healthy.

The bulk mode charging heavily charges the battery after it’s down from over-usage.

The solar app has a column for showing the history column where it displays the activities on the panel.

The history column shows the different cycles the charging has been going through.

It comes with an inbuilt algorithm for lithium batteries.

This means it can handle even a 40V current.

You can change this and use it in a 16cell configuration, and the Victron can accommodate it.

Also, it can be easily controlled with a smartphone app that is very sensitive and intuitive.

The App is connected to it through Bluetooth.

The Victron Charge controller works with a 99% efficiency.

Victron Solar charge controller is an intelligent load output that saves your solar battery from damage.

Pros & Benefits:

It has the largest operating range for the charging voltage of any charge controller.
This charge controller allows four solar panels to be hooked up in series with it.
It implements a very efficient system of remote monitoring and control-Victron connects.
The Bluetooth control feature can work even when there is no internet connection.
This can be done by pairing it with a long-range, wide-area network (LoRaWAN) device.

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5. All Powers 10A Blue Solar Controller

When going for a very portable solar controller, then the All power solar charge controller is just the best option.

It’s a 20A PWM charge controller.

It’s better kept in a shady area and not in direct sun exposure.

It has an automatic system of regulating the solar panel and battery-Once the battery voltage drops below 8V, and it shuts down automatically.

It should hence be kept in a cool and well-ventilated place.

It has built-in circuit protection (Short and Open Circuit protection).

It’s relatively easy to operate, and it’s suitable for small solar systems.

An All power solar charge controller uses a 12/24DC voltage and a 10mA current consuming capacity with a rated charging current if 20A.

It has an overcharge floating charge of 13.7V/27.4V.

The USB output is 5V/3A and the usual size of this charge controller is 150*75*35mm by 5.9*3*.4 inches.

The All-power charge controller sells on amazon for $23,a relatively lower price compared to other charge controllers.

It’s very affordable.

Pros & Benefits:

It does not work with Lithium ions or other batteries.
As stated earlier, it’s for indoor usage only as it can only work with a specific range of temperatures (usually between -35°C to 60°C).
This particular charge controller is only suitable for lead acid batteries-OPEN, AGM and GEL.

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6. Renogy Rover Charge Controller

The rover charge controller comes in 20M,30M and 40M versions.

The 20M version can choose 12Watts systems, the 30M can support 400watts/12 volts systems, and the 40M can support 800W/24V systems.

The first step needed to set up this charge controller is to set it up in a 12V battery.

It features an aluminum shell that effectively dissipates heat while also protecting against wear and tear.

It’s also self-diagnostic.

It can easily detect system faults for quick troubleshooting.

This is usually be displaying error codes.

It can handle various types of battery, either Gel or lithium battery types.

The battery types can be switched on the main menu on the front screen.

The default battery option is sealed.

The charge controller comes with a remote sensor, a USB communication cable.

This is needed for remote sensing using the optional PC software.

Through this software, users can customize their charge parameters and other settings.

It can be downloaded on Renogy’s website.

The Renogy is compatible with a BT-1 Bluetooth module that connects to a PC or mobile phone using the RS232 port.

This enables remote monitoring.

The rover is an MPPT charge controller that allows 24V charging.

The first two terminals at the back are for the charge controller, and the middle 2 are the battery bank, the last two ports are the optional DC load.

The built-in error codes help to diagnose and troubleshoot your system.

Pros & Benefits:

It’s an intelligent controller that can track with a 99% efficiency
The rover comes with over-discharge, overcharge and short circuit protection as well as a programmed charging feature
The LCD allows you to rover through the screen and program the charge controller as needed.

Check Price on Amazon

7.

It comes in a 10A,20A,30A and 40A version.

This solar charge controller also implements MPPT technology-Maximum PowerPoint tracking (MPPT). It uses negative grounding and a big best sink.

The charge controller is designed for off-grid applications for charging and discharging the battery bank.

Its smart tracking Algorithm feature helps maximize the energy produced by the photovoltaic panels.

The solar epic uses an MPPT charge controller type that optimizes battery life and protects its vicinity.

In addition to this, it can self diagnoses and prevent damage that may arise.

It has a dimension of 119*2.5*7.2 inches with a shipping weight of 8pounds.

The solar epic makes use of an Advance MPOT to optimize the solar system functionalities.

Like other top solar charge controllers, it implements a 4-charging option (Sealed, Gel, Flooded and User-defined)It’s rated 4.8 out of 5 by Amazon users.

The majority of the reviews gathered focused on the outstanding MPPT charge controlling ability of the SuperEpic.

A user said he had used several charge controllers that never charged his battery bank fully.

However, using this solar controller, he has been able to charge his 450amp hour battery bank fully within 24hours.

He also stated that the SolarEpic MPPT charge controller could keep up with the energy demands of his gadgets-42inches TV and 23 cubic feet freezer.

Pros & Benefits:

Solar Epic has excellent heat dissipation by its cast aluminum radiator shell.
It also comes with a natural cooling controller
It’s limited to a maximum input voltage is 150V
Once the voltage reaches a low level, its voltage disconnect function keeps the battery from discharging.

9. Y-Solar 80A Solar Charge Controller

The Y-solar 80A solar charge controller is a compact, energy-saving and battery optimizing charge controller that is suited for how to budget considerations.

Its current rating is one of the highest(80A), and it can work with 12V/24V batteries.

Its LCDs are just so simplified for any layman to understand its terms.

This controller is built with a heat-dissipating and corrosion-resistant aluminum and comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

This charge controller ensures that your solar energy system is move stable and fault free.

It changes fully within 24hours causing the unwanted user headaches of low charging.

Y-Solar fits into a common household charging.

Also, it’s cheap and affordable even for the average income household as it goes for as low as $62 on Amazon.

It comes with a power rating of 80A/60A.

A Y-solar charge controller has different connection ports-The the Solar panel, battery bank and the load.

If you’re looking for a charge controller with an intelligent power charging mode, the Y-Sokar is one of the best for this.

It also can recognize battery energy levels.

Also, it has a port that connects to a monitor for remote monitoring.

It automatically shuts itself once the voltage is lie using the LVD-Low Voltage Disconnection.

The charge controller is self-Cooling using the fins available at its backside.

It’s just the best for newbies in solar technologies.

The reason is this, it’s simple to operate and has LED and operational buttons that make it more user-friendly.

This means that in the absence of an instruction manual, it can be easily operated by just following the directions on the LCD.

The review?

They’re the best you can find. It has an 8/7/10 rating on Amazon.

It’s recommended for all kinds of user types.

Pros & Benefits:

It has a very efficient temperature regulation system that protects the battery against short-circuit, reverse polarity, over-discharge, and overheating.
Unlike other charges specific controllers, a Y-solar 80A utilizes both PWM and MPPT charging modes-an edge it has over other controllers.
This dual charging mode works to give you just the best regulation needed.
The battery charge controller has a way of reversing connection protection.

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10. GHB Solar-Charge Controller

This product is another excellent choice you could make, in terms of solar controllers.

The LCD screen display is clearer, more beautiful, and more modern as well.

The device is fully automatic.

It has an output switch, intelligent control, and it’s extremely easy to operate.

You can easily use the PWM&WPC mode to highly improve the system efficiency and prolong the lifespan of the battery.

The GHB 20A 12V 24V comes with the following protection functions: Lightning protection, Over-charging protection, Under-voltage protection, Overload and Short circuit protection, and Reverse Polarity Protection.

It also has the following technical specifications: USB output voltage: 5V; rated discharge current: 20A; DC output voltage: 12V; Total USB output current: 3A.

It has a great protection function, output switch, an intelligent control.